If you’ve ever picked up an Ellen Hopkins novel, you know you’re in for a powerful, emotional journey. Her books are famous for tackling tough topics with honesty and heart, making them favorites among teens and adults alike. Whether you’re new to her work or a longtime fan, this guide will walk you through every Ellen Hopkins book in order, so you never miss a story.
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Who Is Ellen Hopkins?
Ellen Hopkins is a bestselling author known for her fearless approach to storytelling. Born in Long Beach, California, Hopkins draws inspiration from her own life and the world around her. Her background in journalism and personal experiences with family struggles have given her a unique voice in young adult literature.
What Makes Her Books Unique?
Ellen Hopkins stands out for her raw, honest writing. She doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects—instead, she dives right in, making her books both relatable and unforgettable.
Verse-Style Storytelling
One of the most striking features of Ellen Hopkins’ writing is her use of verse-style prose. Instead of traditional paragraphs, her books are written in poetic lines. This style makes her stories quick to read but deeply memorable, almost like reading a diary or a letter from a close friend.
Themes and Topics
Hopkins’ books explore a wide range of real-life issues, including addiction, mental health, abuse, trauma, identity, and self-discovery. Her willingness to address these topics head-on makes her work especially meaningful for readers who may be going through similar experiences.
Ellen Hopkins Book Series in Order
Ellen Hopkins has written several series, each with its own unique characters and stories. Here’s a look at each series and the order in which to read them.
Crank Series
The Crank series is perhaps the most well-known of Ellen Hopkins’ works, inspired by her own family’s experiences with addiction.
Crank (2004)
Crank introduces readers to Kristina, a smart and talented teenager whose life takes a dark turn when she becomes addicted to methamphetamine. The story is a gripping, heartbreaking look at addiction and its impact on families.
Glass (2007)
Glass picks up where Crank leaves off, following Kristina as she tries to rebuild her life but finds herself pulled back into addiction. The stakes are higher, and the emotional impact is even deeper.
Fallout (2010)
Fallout shifts the focus to Kristina’s children, showing how addiction affects not just the person struggling but also those around them. It’s a powerful conclusion to the trilogy.
Burned Series
The Burned series is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the search for love and identity.
Burned (2006)
Burned follows Pattyn, a girl growing up in a strict Mormon family. When she starts questioning her faith and her place in the world, she is sent to live with relatives in Nevada. There, she finds love and freedom, but also faces new challenges.
Smoke (2013)
Smoke continues Pattyn’s journey, focusing on the aftermath of trauma and the long road to healing. It’s a story about strength, forgiveness, and the power of new beginnings.
Impulse Series
The Impulse series takes readers inside the minds of teens struggling with mental health and self-harm.
Impulse (2007)
Impulse introduces three teens—Conner, Tony, and Vanessa—who meet at a psychiatric facility after suicide attempts. Their stories are intertwined, full of pain, hope, and the search for understanding.
Perfect (2011)
Perfect is a companion novel to Impulse, focusing on different characters but exploring similar themes. It’s about the pressure to be perfect and the courage it takes to be yourself.
Tricks Series
The Tricks series is a darker, more intense look at the lives of teenagers caught in the world of prostitution and trafficking.
Tricks (2009)
Tricks follows five teenagers from different backgrounds who end up in the world of prostitution. The book is a heartbreaking look at how easily young people can be exploited and the desperate choices they make to survive.
Traffick (2015)
Traffick continues the stories of these teens as they try to escape and rebuild their lives. It’s a story of survival, hope, and the fight for a second chance.
Love Lies Beneath Series
The Love Lies Beneath series is a departure from Hopkins’ usual young adult themes, offering romantic suspense for adult readers.
Love Lies Beneath (2015)
Love Lies Beneath tells the story of Tara, a woman whose life is turned upside down by a new relationship. The book is full of secrets, lies, and psychological twists.
A Sin Such as This (2018)
A Sin Such as This picks up Tara’s story, delving deeper into betrayal, secrets, and the dark side of love. It’s the perfect sequel for fans of mystery and suspense.
Ellen Hopkins Standalone Books in Order
Ellen Hopkins has also written several standalone novels, each with its own unique story and characters.
Early Standalone Novels
Identical (2008)
Identical is a haunting story about twin sisters, Kaeleigh and Raeanne, who are hiding a dark family secret. It’s a gripping look at abuse, identity, and the masks we wear to survive.
Triangles (2011)
Triangles is an adult novel about three women whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. It’s a story about love, loss, and the choices that shape us.
Tilt (2012)
Tilt is a companion to Triangles, told from the perspective of three teenagers. It’s a raw, emotional look at young love, heartbreak, and growing up.
Collateral (2012)
Collateral explores the impact of military life on relationships. It’s a love story set against the backdrop of war, showing how distance and duty can test even the strongest bonds.
Recent Standalone Novels
Rumble (2014)
Rumble tackles bullying, grief, and faith through the eyes of a high school student. It’s a powerful story about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard.
The You I’ve Never Known (2017)
This novel is about identity, family secrets, and self-discovery. It’s a journey of finding out who you are—and who you want to be.
People Kill People (2018)
People Kill People is a complex narrative about gun violence and white supremacy. It’s a timely, thought-provoking read that challenges readers to think about the world around them.
Sanctuary Highway (2019)
Sanctuary Highway is set in a dystopian future and follows a group of teens as they fight for survival. It’s a story about resilience, hope, and the power of community.
Closer to Nowhere (2020)
This is a middle-grade novel about family dynamics and forgiveness. It’s a gentler read, but still full of heart and honesty.
What About Will (2021)
What About Will explores sibling relationships and coping with change. It’s a story about love, loss, and learning to let go.
The Colliding Worlds of Mina Lee (2024)
A new release about identity and belonging, this novel is perfect for readers who love stories about self-discovery.
Sync (2024)
Sync is another recent release, exploring connections between people and the ways our lives intersect.
Additional Works and Anthologies
Ellen Hopkins has also contributed to and edited several anthologies, showcasing her versatility as a writer.
Notable Anthologies
Grim (2014)
Grim is a collection of dark fairy tale retellings, perfect for fans of fantasy and horror.
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Hopkins has also contributed to collections like Scary Out There (2016) and Our Stories, Our Voices (2018), as well as editing Flirtin’ with the Monster (2009), a book of essays about her Crank and Glass novels.
Key Facts About Ellen Hopkins
Biography
Ellen Hopkins was born in Long Beach, California, and has become one of the most influential voices in young adult literature. Her background in journalism and her own family’s struggles with addiction have shaped her writing and given her a unique perspective on the issues she tackles.
Writing Awards and Recognition
Hopkins is a New York Times bestselling author and has received numerous awards and accolades for her work. Her books are frequently banned or challenged, but that hasn’t stopped her from telling the stories that matter.
Why Read Ellen Hopkins?
Impact on Readers
Ellen Hopkins has a gift for making readers feel seen and understood. Her books are a safe space for anyone who’s ever felt lost, alone, or misunderstood. They’re not always easy to read, but they’re always worth it.
Why Her Books Matter
Hopkins’ books matter because they tell the truth—even when it’s uncomfortable. They give voice to the voiceless and remind us that we’re not alone. Whether you’re a teenager navigating the chaos of growing up or an adult looking for a powerful, emotional read, Ellen Hopkins has something for you.
Ellen Hopkins Books in Order: Quick Reference Table
To make things even easier, here’s a handy table of Ellen Hopkins books in order by series and standalone titles.
| Series/Standalone | Book Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Crank Series | Crank | 2004 |
| Glass | 2007 | |
| Fallout | 2010 | |
| Burned Series | Burned | 2006 |
| Smoke | 2013 | |
| Impulse Series | Impulse | 2007 |
| Perfect | 2011 | |
| Tricks Series | Tricks | 2009 |
| Traffick | 2015 | |
| Love Lies Beneath | Love Lies Beneath | 2015 |
| A Sin Such as This | 2018 | |
| Standalone | Identical | 2008 |
| Triangles | 2011 | |
| Tilt | 2012 | |
| Collateral | 2012 | |
| Rumble | 2014 | |
| The You I’ve Never Known | 2017 | |
| People Kill People | 2018 | |
| Sanctuary Highway | 2019 | |
| Closer to Nowhere | 2020 | |
| What About Will | 2021 | |
| The Colliding Worlds of Mina Lee | 2024 | |
| Sync | 2024 |
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for books that will make you think, feel, and maybe even cry, Ellen Hopkins is the author for you. Her stories are raw, real, and unforgettable. Whether you’re new to her work or a longtime fan, this guide to Ellen Hopkins books in order will help you find your next favorite read.
